User Guide
Portsmith Ethernet Cradle
Model Numbers: PS6PM5E, PS6SPM5E-6 & PS6HVE
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Contents
Introduction About the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle
Minimum Requirements
4
4
4
Optional
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Preparing to Use the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle
Connect the Ethernet Cradle to a Network
LED Indicators
5
5
5
Using the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
9
Installing & Using the Portsmith Cradle Driver
Operation of the Portsmith Cradle Driver
Status and Configuration Screen
Using the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle to HotSync
Using the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle for Network Connection
Install and Configure Network Synchronization Software
Install Server-based Synchronization Software (Optional)
Supported Software
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
10
Troubleshooting Matrix
Technical Support
10
11
Appendix A Glossary of Terms
12
Appendix B Warranties and Other Product Information
Hardware Warranty
13
13
14
15
16
16
Software Warranty
Software License Agreement
Regulatory Information
FCC Statement
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Introduction
About the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle
The Portsmith Ethernet Cradle is a network connectivity accessory for Palm OS™
PDA's. Through our Ethernet Cradle, users can download or synchronize with corporate
network data, server-resident data, or access a live Internet connection. This user guide
provides an overview of setting up and using the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle.
In addition to accessing data and the Internet, the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle also provides
recharging capabilities on applicable handheld models.
Minimum Requirements
The following minimum requirements must be met for your network, PDA, and desktop
computer:
•
Dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server configured and operational
on the network
•
•
•
10 Mbps or 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing network connection
10BaseT Ethernet cable
PDA running the Palm Operating System
•
•
Palm M500 or M505 if you have the PS6PM5E Cradle
Handspring Visor, Visor Deluxe, Visor Platinum if you have the
PS6HVE Cradle
•
•
•
The AC power adaptor for Portsmith Ethernet Cradle
Portsmith Ethernet Cradle
A desktop computer with HotSync Manager® installed and configured to use a
local serial or USB synchronization cradle. This computer must also have a web
browser and Internet access.
Optional
•
HotSync® Desktop installed on the user’s networked desktop computer. This is
one method for the PDA to synchronize with the desktop computer over the
network.
•
Other third party desktop synchronization software which supports network
synchronization such as PumaTech Intellisync® installed on both the PDA and
the desktop computer. These applications provide alternate methods to
synchronize the PDA with the desktop computer over the network.
Server-based synchronization software such as XTNDConnect® Server or
HotSyncServer installed on both the network and the PDA.
Internet applications such as, PalmScape, MultiMail or AvantGo can be
installed on the PDA and used to communicate through the Portsmith Ethernet
Cradle to an Internet connected network.
•
•
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Chapter 1
Preparing to Use the Portsmith Ethernet
Cradle
Installation Overview
Before using the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle, you and your network system administrator
must properly configure your hardware and software. Below is a summary of the steps
required for proper configuration. This chapter provides details about each step listed
below.
•
•
•
Connect the Ethernet cradle to the network.
Install and configure the Portsmith Cradle Driver on your PDA.
Install and configure network synchronization software or Internet
communication software.
Connect the Ethernet Cradle to the Network
To use the Ethernet cradle, it must be connected to a 10Base-T or 10/100Base-T Ethernet
network that is setup for TCP/IP communication and DHCP configuration.
To connect the Ethernet cradle to the network:
1. Connect one end of a 10Base-T Ethernet cable to the RJ45 connector on the back
of the Ethernet cradle.
2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to an active 10/100Base-T Ethernet
network connection.
3. Connect the round plug of the AC adaptor cable into the AC adaptor connector
jack on the back of the Ethernet Cradle, then plug the AC adaptor into a standard
electrical outlet.
NOTE: DHCP services must be available to assign the Ethernet cradle an IP address, a
gateway IP address, a subnet mask, and a DNS server.
Once connected to a network and a power supply, the Ethernet cradle continuously
attempts to establish a link with the local DHCP server to collect network parameters and
obtain an IP address. You can monitor this querying process, which continues until
proper configuration is achieved, by observing the operational indicator LEDs on the
RJ45 Ethernet connector on the back of the Ethernet cradle. See the table on the
following page for a description of LED indicators.
LED Indicators
LED color and behavior
Amber at half brightness
Amber blinking
Indication
Power on
Querying the DHCP server to collect
network parameters
Amber at full brightness
Green at half brightness
Green blinking
Network configuration data received
Network link established
Data being transmitted
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Chapter 2
Installing and Using the Portsmith Cradle
Driver on Your PDA
The Portsmith Cradle Driver must be installed and configured on the PDA before the
PDA can communicate through the Ethernet cradle. The Portsmith Cradle Driver
automatically detects if the PDA is in the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle and automatically
configures the PDA for TCP/IP communication over the attached Ethernet network.
Installing the Portsmith Cradle Driver
The Portsmith Cradle Driver is named PSCradle.prc. This driver may be downloaded
from the Portsmith web site on the Internet with the following steps.
1. On a PC configured for HotSync® Manager local synchronization through a
serial or USB synchronization cradle, open the web browser.
2. In the address bar of the web browser, enter the following address:
3. When the web page appears, select the appropriate model of cradle and PDA.
4. Select the link to download the Portsmith Cradle Driver (PSCradle.prc)
5. Your web browser should prompt you to either open or save the file. Select the
open option.
6. If HotSync® Manager is configured for more than one PDA, the HotSync®
Install Tool will prompt you to select where to install the file. Select the identity
associated with the PDA where you want to install the driver.
7. If you wish to enable the PDA to synchronize over the network with this
desktop machine, you must enable network mode in HotSync® Manager. On a
Windows® computer, this can be done by right clicking on the HotSync® icon
in the Windows® system tray. If the “Network” option is not checked, Select it
by clicking on “Network” in the menu.
8. Perform a local synchronization between the desktop computer and the PDA
where you want to install the driver. This is done by placing the PDA in the
local HotSync® cradle and pressing the HotSync® button. When the
synchronization completes, the driver will be installed on the PDA.
Tip: You can also install the Portsmith Cradle Driver on a PDA by beaming it from
another PDA on which it has already been installed.
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Operation of the Portsmith Cradle Driver
The Portsmith Cradle Driver is designed to provide seamless TCP/IP connectivity without user
intervention. The driver automatically provides the following functions:
•
•
Detection of the PDA’s presence in a Portsmith Ethernet
Cradle.
Configuration of the PDA to provide TCP/IP
communication over the attached Ethernet network. This
includes IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and
DNS server.
•
•
Session termination upon removal from the cradle.
Connection and docking status information and visual
feedback.
•
•
Optional synchronization upon insertion into the cradle.
Optional network connection establishment upon
insertion into the cradle.
•
Preservation of modem communication settings, if set.
Upon insertion into the Ethernet cradle, the Driver will briefly
display the splash screen shown below while it is configuring the
communication session. This is visual confirmation that the PDA is
docking with the cradle.
The Status and Configuration Screen
The driver’s status and configuration form may be viewed by selecting the PSCradle
icon in the Palm Application Launcher
The items on this screen are described below:
Cradle Status:
. The following form will be displayed.
This item shows if the Driver has detected the PDA’s presence in a
Portsmith Ethernet Cradle.
•
Docked: The PDA is currently in a Portsmith Ethernet
Cradle.
•
Undocked: The PDA is not currently in a Portsmith
Ethernet Cradle.
Connection Status:
This item shows the status of the connection to the Portsmith
Ethernet Cradle
•
•
•
Active: There is currently a connection established.
Inactive: The connection is not currently established.
Disconnecting: The connection is being terminated.
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Firmware Ver:
If the PDA is in a Portsmith Ethernet Cradle, this will show the current firmware version
installed on the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle.
Driver Ver:
The current version of the Portsmith Cradle Driver on the PDA.
Driver Mode:
This item allows the user to configure the current mode of the Portsmith Cradle Driver.
•
Enabled: The driver is enabled and will configure the TCP/IP communication
session when it detects the PDA’s presence in a Portsmith Ethernet Cradle. In
this mode, the driver does not actually open the TCP/IP session until an
application tries to communicate over TCP/IP. This behavior preserves battery
life. It is the default configuration of the driver
•
•
Disabled: The driver is disabled. It will perform no activity while in this mode.
Automatic HotSync: This mode is the same as the Enabled mode except the
driver simulates the press of the cradle’s HotSync button when the driver detects
the PDA’s presence in the Portsmith Ethernet cradle.
•
Automatic Connect: This mode is the same as the Enabled mode except the
driver opens the TCP/IP connection upon cradle presence detection rather than
waiting for an application to attempt to communicate over TCP/IP. Some
applications require this behavior. (Note: This mode can drain the batteries of
Alkaline battery powered PDAs. )
•
Configuration Panel: This mode is the same as the Enabled mode except the
driver will display its configuration form when the cradle is detected.
PDA Functionality Buttons:
•
•
•
Connect: Establish a connection.
Disconnect: Disconnect the current connection.
HotSync: Perform a HotSync. If the connection isn't currently established, it
will establish a connection first.
Using the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle to HotSync
Once the PDA has been docked with a Portsmith Ethernet Cradle, there are three
different ways that you can HotSync over the network.
1. Pressing the button on the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle itself, or
2. Tapping the HotSync Icon
PDA, or
from the Palm Application Launcher
on the
3. Tapping the HotSync Button in the Portsmith Cradle Driver.
Using the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle for a Network
Connection:
Once the PDA has been docked with a Portsmith Ethernet Cradle, there are three
different ways that you can utilize the network connection. After the connection has been
established, you may use any application that requires a network connection.
1. Go into PSCradle
"Connect" button or
from the Palm Application Launcher
and tap the
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2. Go to the Network section of the Preference Panel
from the Palm
Application Launcher and tap the "Connect" button or,
3. Go into the application you wish to use, most applications attempt to connect
using the current settings. The current settings have been set to work with the
Portsmith Ethernet Cradle when it was inserted.
Install & Configure Network Synchronization Software
Before the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle can be used to perform a Network Synchronization,
third party synchronization software must be installed on both the desktop computer and
the PDA that will be synchronizing with it. The software locates the desktop computer on
the network being accessed via the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle.
NOTE: You might need the assistance of your network system administrator to install
the software on your desktop.
To configure network synchronization:
1. Follow the software manufacturer's installation instructions to install the software
on the desktop computer and the PDA.
2. Make sure the synchronization software is set up for use on a network.
3. Make sure the appropriate user name is selected in the synchronization software.
4. Place the PDA in the cradle attached to the local PC and press the
synchronization button. This operation records network information about the
desktop computer on the PDA. With this information, the PDA can locate the
computer when a synchronization operation is performed over the network.
NOTE: To perform any synchronization with the desktop computer using the Portsmith
Ethernet Cradle, the desktop computer must be on, the desktop synchronization software
must be running, and the software must be set up for network use.
Installing Server-based Network Synchronization
Software
To configure server synchronization, follow the manufacturer's installation instructions to
install the software on the server and the PDA(s).
The Portsmith Ethernet Cradle is designed to support any software that uses standard
TCP/IP on the Palm Operating System. The Cradle’s function has been verified with the
applications listed below. For instructions on using and troubleshooting the software on
your PDA or computer, see the software manufacturer’s installation documentation.
Server-based Synchronization Software
•
•
HotSyncServer
XTNDConnect Server
Network Synchronization Software
•
•
HotSync Manager
Intellisync
Network Software
•
•
•
PalmScape
MultiMail
AvantGo Client
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Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
Use the table below to identify and correct problems you might encounter when setting
up or using your Portsmith Ethernet Cradle.
Troubleshooting Matrix
Problem
Solution
The amber LED remains dark Make sure the power supply is securely
when the Ethernet cradle is
plugged in.
connected and receiving power.
The amber LED blinks
continuously,
Make sure a DHCP server is configured and
operational on the network to which the
Ethernet cradle is connected.
The amber LED is fully lit,
but no synchronization took
Remove the PDA from the Ethernet cradle
and reinsert it, making sure it is gently but
place, and the green LED did firmly seated in the Ethernet cradle. Press the
not blink,
synchronization button.
The green LED remains dark.
Confirm that the Ethernet cable is a straight-
through (or feed-through) cable.
Confirm that the Ethernet cable is properly
connected to the cradle and to a functioning
10 or 10/100 Mbps auto-sensing network
device.
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Technical Support
For additional information, refer to the FAQ List in the Support Section at
(208) 395-1300. Please provide the following information:
• Your name, email address, and
phone number
• Portsmith Ethernet Cradle model
number
• Portsmith Ethernet Cradle serial
number
• PC make, model, and operating
system
• PDA make and model
• Server software
• Synchronization software
• Detailed problem description
name and version
NOTE
You can find the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle serial number on the label on the bottom of
the Cradle.
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Appendix A
Glossary of Terms
Desktop Computer: A PC or Laptop where information resides that you perform a HotSync with
using a USB or serial cradle.
DHCP Server: An acronym for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A server that assigns an IP
Address to the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle so it can access the Internet and the network.
DNS Server: Domain Naming System, converts host names (URL’s) into internet addresses.
Gateway IP Address: IP address for the server that transfers data between networks.
IP Address: Internet Protocol Address, used to identify your Portsmith Ethernet Cradle from other
devices on the network.
Local Synchronization: A synchronization using a USB or Serial Cradle directly connected to a
Desktop Computer.
Network Synchronization: Synchronization with a Desktop Computer on the network.
PDA: Personal Digital Assistant, specifically Palm's m500/505, or Handspring's
Visor/Deluxe/Platinum.
Portsmith Cradle Driver: A utility to aid in configuring a PDA for use with the Portsmith Ethernet
Cradle.
PSCradle.prc: The filename of the Portsmith Cradle Driver.
Server-based Synchronization: Synchronization with a server that is attached to the network.
Subnet Mask: Used by networked devices to determine whether any given IP address is on the local
network or outside the local network.
TCP/IP: Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, a standardized method of data communication
over the Internet.
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Appendix B
Warranties and
Other Product Information
Hardware Warranty
Portsmith, Inc. warrants this product against defects in materials and workmanship to the
purchaser for a period of two (2) years from the date of shipment. This warranty is
limited to a repair or replacement of the product. To obtain warranty service, the
purchaser must first call Portsmith, Inc. for an RMA number, then return the product to
Portsmith, Inc. for repair or replacement.
Purchaser shall prepay shipping charges for products returned to Portsmith, Inc.
Portsmith, Inc. will pay for return of the products to purchaser, except that purchaser
shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Portsmith, Inc.
from a country other than the United States.
Portsmith, Inc. makes no other warranty of any kind with regard to this material.
Portsmith, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material.
Within thirty (30) days of receipt should the product fail for any reason other than
damage due to customer negligence; purchaser has the right to return the product for a
full refund of the purchase price. If the purchaser wishes to upgrade or convert to another
Portsmith, Inc. product within the thirty (30) day period, purchaser has the right to return
the product and apply the full purchase price toward the purchase of the other product.
Any other return will be subject to Portsmith, Inc.’s existing restocking policy.
PORTSMITH, INC. WARRANTS THAT THIS PRODUCT IS NEW OR HAS
BEEN REMANUFACTURED TO MEET NEW STANDARDS USING NEW
OR SERVICEABLE USED PARTS. PORTSMITH, INC. MAKES NO OTHER
WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO
THIS PRODUCT. PORTSMITH, INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,
so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE CUSTOMER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL PORTSMITH, INC. BE LIABLE
FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR
ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY
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Software Warranty
This warranty applies only to software products. The warranty for hardware products is
described elsewhere.
Portsmith, Inc. does not warrant that the operation of the program will meet your
requirements or be error free. The program is provided “AS IS” without warranty of any
kind. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the program is with the
purchaser. If the program proves defective or inadequate, purchaser assumes the entire
cost of servicing or repair.
Portsmith, Inc. makes no other warranty, either expressed or implied, with respect to this
product. Portsmith, Inc. specifically disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose.
Some states or provinces do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts,
so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. However, any implied
warranty of merchantability or fitness is limited to the ninety (90) day duration of this
written warranty.
Purchaser’s exclusive remedy shall be the replacement of defective media which is
returned to Portsmith, Inc. If Portsmith, Inc. is unable to replace the media within a
reasonable amount of time; the purchaser may terminate this agreement by returning the
program and all copies, documentation and proof of purchase for a refund of the purchase
price.
THE REMEDIES PROVIDED HEREIN ARE CUSTOMER’S SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDIES. IN NO EVENT SHALL PORTSMITH,
INC. BE LIABLE FOR ANY LOST PROFITS, DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,
WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER
LEGAL THEORY
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Software License Agreement
IMPORTANT
Before installing the software, please carefully read this License Agreement.
Installation indicates your acceptance of the terms and conditions of this
License. If you do not agree with these terms and conditions, you should return
the software, and your money will be refunded.
License Agreement
This license permits you to
1. Use this software in the conduct of business without limit when the software is
used with the Portsmith Ethernet Cradle.
2. Copy the software onto any PDA connected to a Portsmith Ethernet Cradle.
You are not permitted to...
1. Make modifications to any portion of this software product.
2. Merge this software product or any portion of it into another program or product.
3. Decompile, reverse engineer, disassemble or otherwise reduce the software to a
human-perceivable form.
Warranties
All warranties are governed by the “Software Limited Warranty” included in this
document.
NOTE:
BY INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE, YOU A CKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE
READ THIS A GREEMENT UNDERSTAND ITAND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY
ITS TERMS AND CONDITIONS. YOU FUR THER A GREE THAT IT IS THE
COMPLETE AND EXCLUSIVE STATEMENT OF THE A GREEMENT BETWEEN
US AND SUPERSEDES ANY PROPOSAL OR PRIOR A GREEMENT EITHER
ORAL OR WRITTEN, AND ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN US
RELA TING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS A GREEMENT YOU FURTHER
A GREE THA TIF PORTSMITH, INC IS REQUIRED TO ENGA GE
INANYPROCEEDING, LEGAL OR OTHERWISE, TO ENFORCE ITS RIGHTS
UNDER THIS A GREEMENT PORTSMITH, INC. SHALL BE ENTITLED TO
RECOVER FROM LICENSEE, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER SUMS DUE,
REASONABLE ATTORNEY FEES, COSTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
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Regulatory Information
FCC Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
•
•
•
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
•
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for help.
Portsmith, Inc. is not responsible for radio/TV interference caused by using unauthorized
cables or by making unauthorized changes to this equipment.
European Union Notice
Products with CE marking comply with both the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) and the
Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) issued by the Commission of the European
Community.
Compliance with these directives implies conformity to the following European Norms
(in brackets are the equivalent international standards):
•
•
•
EN55022 (CISPR 22) - Electromagnetic Interference
EN50082-1 (IEC801-2, IEC801-3, IEC801-4) - Electromagnetic Immunity
EN 60950 (IEC60950) - Product Safety
- 16 -
VCCI Notice
This is a Class B product, to be used in a domestic environment, based on the Technical
Requirement of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference from Information
Technology Equipment (VCCI). If this is used near a radio or television receiver in a
domestic environment, it may cause radio interference. Please install and use the
equipment according to the instruction manual.
CAUTION
Changes or modifications not covered in this user guide must be approved in writing by
the manufacturer Regulatory Engineering Department. Changes or modifications made
without written approval may void the user authority to operate this equipment.
Portsmith, Inc.
960 Broadway
Suite 300
Boise, ID 83706
USA
Telephone:
(888) 293-1302 Toll-Free in the U.S. or
(208) 395-1300 from outside the U.S.
Fax:
(888) 501-8086 Toll-Free in the U.S. or
(561) 619-5810 from outside the U.S.
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